Assistant Headteacher

At OFG Education we work smarter so that you can enjoy the things that matter outside of work

Job Title:  Assistant Headteacher

Location:  Castle Garden School, Guildford, Surrey GU1 S3Q

Hours:  40 hours per week | Monday to Friday 

Salary:  Up to £51,539 per annum, depending on experience (not pro rata)

Contract:  Permanent | Term Time Only

Start:  January 2027

UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

About the Role

This is more than a leadership role. It is an opportunity to help shape the future of a school where every decision, every conversation and every action has the power to transform lives.

As Assistant Headteacher, you will work alongside the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to drive excellence across the school, championing high aspirations, outstanding teaching and an inclusive culture where every student can thrive. You will be a visible and influential leader, inspiring staff, supporting students and ensuring that high standards are embedded in every aspect of school life.

With a significant teaching commitment, you will lead from the front, modelling exceptional classroom practice and demonstrating a relentless commitment to improving outcomes. You will play a key role in developing and delivering the school's strategic vision, leading improvement initiatives and creating the conditions for both students and colleagues to achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities:

Providing inspirational leadership that promotes a culture of high expectations, ambition and continuous improvement.

Supporting the Headteacher in the strategic and day-to-day leadership of the school.

Leading key areas of school improvement, driving sustainable change and delivering measurable impact.

Championing outstanding teaching, learning and assessment through evidence-informed practice.

Creating a positive, inclusive and nurturing environment where students feel safe, valued and ready to succeed.

Driving high standards of behaviour, attendance, safeguarding and student wellbeing.

Ensuring all students, including those with additional and special educational needs, have access to ambitious and meaningful learning opportunities.

Coaching, developing and inspiring staff through effective line management, performance development and professional learning.

Leading and embedding robust systems, policies and processes that support operational excellence.

Building strong partnerships with families, governors, external agencies and the wider community to improve outcomes for students.

Using data, insight and evaluation to inform decision-making and accelerate school improvement.

Teaching and inspiring students through consistently high-quality classroom practice.

About You

You will bring:

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a degree-level qualification.

Successful leadership and management experience within a school environment.

Strong teaching experience and a commitment to delivering high-quality education.

Experience contributing to school self-evaluation, improvement planning and whole-school development.

Proven experience of line managing staff, holding teams accountable and supporting colleagues to achieve their full potential.

A Full UK Driving Licence

About Us

At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures.

Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve.

Whatever your role, joining OFG Education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School

Castle Garden School is a brand-new independent specialist school for students with autism between 5 - 11 years of age.

Castle Garden School strives to provide effective, specialist education and support to autistic students and their families, which will allow students to achieve their full potential in education and life. Located in the town centre of Guildford, the school provides primary education and offers a unique mix of education and support to students within a wide spectrum of needs and abilities. Personalised teaching and learning in an autism specific environment allows students’ individual needs to be addressed completely and their capabilities fully realised.

We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks

Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:

Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits

Hundreds of UK and international discounts

Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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